I can’t remember the last time I made New Year’s resolutions. If I want to start something, right now feels like a better time to start.

But I have to admit, something feels different this time. I feel different. So, here are a few resolutions Rico and Roxy said they’d help me with for 2014:

Stop being a control freak.

Dog toys aren’t cheap. They are easy. As in Roxy can fully disembowel any stuffed toy in minutes, at most. Dexter (thank you, Netflix) would have been amazed. Most bones are chipped away into unrecognizable nubs after a day.

So I hoard their toys in the closet to make them last longer. They get to play “on special occasions.”

It’s a sad when having fun needs to be a special occasion. I’m not having fun protecting their toys and they aren’t having fun with them.

So my first New Year’s resolution is to let go of worries that get in the way of a good time.

Get the giggles.

Roxy gets a kick out of chasing me up and down stairs as I do laundry. And if I flip the basket over my head, she really goes nuts.

If she can play and have fun doing something so normal, why can’t I?

So this New Year’s resolution is to recognize, appreciate, and participate in ordinary moments of silliness.

Play, play, play!

Our daily walks are a loop around the neighborhood. When I have time, I’ll make an extra excursion to the little Civil War historic spot nearby and let them sniff out woodland critters.

Every walk, however, both Rico and Roxy assume we’re going there and will naturally head in that direction. It’s fun, so why wouldn’t we? Oh, right. Because Mom doesn’t have time again.

Time, be dammed. This year, we’re going to play more. Play every day. And I am, too. I’ve already signed up for an online art class – I can’t believe I’m saying this – just for fun. Craziness.

Get some air.

In terms of getting outside, exploring nature and relishing living in such a beautiful state, last year sucked. I rarely had the time to take Rico and Roxy anywhere. And when I did have the time, I was either too tired, the weather didn’t cooperate, or poor Rico was recovering from surgery. Suck, suck, and double suck.

This year, we’re breaking free. We’re getting out. Feeling the earth under our paws, breathing in air, and blowing out that nagging inner voice that asks “and what purpose does this serve?”

Little hour or two hikes are the way to start. But this summer, I want bigger. I want to take them on vacation. So, if anyone has traveled with canine companions before, or know of any good blogs about the topic, I would love to hear from you!

4 Responses to Four Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

Vacationing with the dogs sounds fun. And challenging. But I’d love to help. Where are you? How far do you want to travel? Some areas are more pet friendly than others. Also, check out gopetfriendly.com. Great site!

Hi Kelley! Thank you so much for responding! I live in Virginia, so we were thinking maybe Tennessee or the Carolinas. The problem I keep running into is the weight restriction most places set. R&R are 55 and 75 pounds. But I’m definitely going to check out gopetfriendly.com – thanks for the lead! If you think of anything else or know of any nice spots, please let me know.